THE "SEEDY SIX" OF BEAUTY & SKIN CARE

I cannot stress enough, your skin is a key organ of your physical system that needs care and attention - but not in the way you may first think. Skin is so sensitive and the major filter between our external and internal environments. For optimum health and well being, not just for your skin itself, but also your internal health, please consider the impact of the below "Seedy Six" commercial skin products we often use. I have also provided some natural, Ayurvedically inspired, alternatives you can introduce into your daily skin care and beauty routines.

DEODORANT

Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:

• Parabens (used as a preservative)

• Aluminium

• Triclosan (used to prevent bacterial contamination to the product)

• Phthalates (helps the deodorant stick to the skin)

• Fragrance or parfum

For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click here.

Effective, natural alternative:

• Crystal deodorants

• Tea Tree Oil deodorants

PERFUME & COLOGNES

Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:

• Acetone

• Benzaldehyde

• Benzyl acetate

• Benzyl alcohol

• Ethanol

• Ethyl acetate

• Limonene

• Linalool

• Methylene chloride

For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click on the links below:

Perfumes & Colognes

Toxic Perfume Chemicals

Effective, natural alternative:

• Essential oils (used with a carrier oil, not directly on the skin)

• Rose water or other infused waters such as lavender, bergamot, lemon verbena etc.

MOISTURISER

Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:

• Mineral Oil

• Propylene Glycol

• Fragrance/Parfum

• Synthetic Dyes Or Colours

• Parabens

• Retinol

• Alcohols

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids

• Petroleum based products

For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click here.

Effective, natural alternative:

Pure oils are recommended Ayurvedically. Listed below are some ideal choices for different skin types:

• Vata (dry, fine-pored, wrinkled, thin skin) - A nourishing oil such as black sesame/ almond oil.

• Pitta (warm, sensitive, mildly oily, freckled skin) - Coconut oil, ghee, sunflower oil/ grape seed oil.

• Kapha (thick, oily, translucent, large-pored skin) - Minimal to no oil, light application of almond oil/ olive oil if required.

FAKE TAN

Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:

• Mineral oils

• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

• Amyl acetate

• Octyl stearate

• Isopropyl myristate

• Fragrance/Parfum

• DHA (dihydroxyacetone)

For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click on the links below:

Is There A Safe Fake Tan

Harmful Ingredients in Tannig Creams & Lotions

Effective, natural alternative:

I would strongly recommend to avoid fake tans of any description, natural alternatives included. In addition, avoid exposing the skin to excessive levels of sunlight for the sake of tanning. Sun exposure is important, but as always in Ayurveda, moderation is recommended.

⁣SHAMPOO & CONDITIONERS

Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

• Fragrance/Parfum

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine

• Triclosan

• Polysorbates

• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

• Potassium Sorbate

• Phenoxyethanol

• Retinyl Palmitate

• Dimethicone

• Behentrimonium Chloride

• Quaternium-15

For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click on the links below:

Toxic Ingredients in Shampoo & Conditioner

Harmful Ingredients In Hair Products

Effective, natural alternative:

• Natural shampoos and conditioners from health food store, local and online.

• Natural shampoo and conditioner "bars" that are good for you and your environment too!

⁣MAKE-UP

Potential toxic ingredients found in the product:

• Phthalates

• Lead (can you believe it?!)

• Quaternary-15 and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

• PEG compounds

• Butylated compounds (bht, bha)

• Parabens

For more of a read on what the above mentioned chemicals can alter in the body, please click here.

Effective, natural alternative:

• Please click here to learn about quality non-toxic make-up options.

• I would highly recommend also wearing make-up minimally. Every day use, even with natural/organic products can irritate skin over time if used rigidly for most skin types. Always try and remember that skin is not meant to be covered consistently and needs time to restore and breathe in-between.

As a basic rule my friends, when it comes to our skin, if you wouldn't eat it, DO NOT APPLY IT. Our skin is such an amazing organ that needs to be fed and nourished correctly in order to remain healthy and function optimally.

DISCLAIMER

The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com